First of all, what shall we call you? What do you do, and where do you live? It always looks so picturesque!
To begin, let me say thank you for this interview, I’m really flattered. Since you have been following the evolution of my style over the years, gosh, you must have had moments when you thought, “What the heck is she wearing?”
You can call me M and I’m an entrepreneur. One of the advantages of living in Europe is being able to experience many cultures and visit all these countries with such beautiful scenery right at your fingertips. Anyway, a friend once told me I must have been a gypsy in my previous life as I travel so much. Well, what can I say. I enjoy it and always learn something new during my trips. I do have one travel pet peeve, I hate looking like the stereotypical tourist!
I adore your closet. What are your favorite aspects of your renovated wardrobe?
I recently converted our attic into my wardrobe room. As it’s a mere frivolity, I mostly bought furniture from IKEA. Otherwise, I’d break the bank hiring a carpenter. A few years back, I stored my handbags and shoes in their boxes and, sometimes, forgot I had them. I’ve learned from that and now try to have everything in sight (except for clothes that don’t belong in the respective season, weather wise). But because of the slanted roof in the attic, I could only have one armoire so the rest of my clothes hang from metal racks I got at a local furniture store. I was also able to reuse a wooden chest of drawers from my previous closet. Almost everything is white so the space looks bigger and brighter. My favorite pieces? My 200-year-old antique Biedermeier vanity table and mirror. It took me close to two years to find the perfect table for my mirror.
What are your most recent buys?
I was recently in London and any trip (for me, at least) to this wonderful city would not be complete without some shopping. But instead of randomly buying stuff that tickled my fancy, I focused on British brands such as Mason Pearson, Butler & Wilson, Links of London and Alexander McQueen. My favorite buy? A limited edition Erdem by Globe-Trotter suitcase. I special ordered the 18″ trolley with my initials and an extra leather strap. I’m enamored by the look of the 21″ with two leather straps, but alas, it was simply too big for me to hand carry. I can’t wait to receive my trolley in 4 weeks’ time.
What about clothes/accessories? What are your favorites, and what do you wear the most?
My style has changed over the years. I used to be into frills, laces and sequins. But as I aged, my style has evolved. However, I still have many clothes from eons ago that I wear. They are either solid-colored basics or unique pieces made of high-quality fabrics with brilliant tailoring. Regardless of the brand, these factors transcend seasons and time. Nothing beats that! As far as my favorites, they are a couple of pieces from the runway collections of Alexander McQueen and Prada. I may not wear them often, but I love them! They are wearable art!
What, in all your buying experience, have you found to be the best high-end brand values? What about low end/high street?
For my style, I would say Prada and Balenciaga clothes. Except for their runway pieces, they are also well priced compared to, let’s say, Chloé and Céline. I’m also very content with my Burberry trenches that I wear often. They are perfect for cool days and in between seasons. For high street, I like Spanish and French brands such as Maje, Zara, Mango, Comptoir des Cotonniers and Massimo Dutti. Of course, there’s always H&M. Many have criticized the disposable clothing of Zara and H&M, but I actually have pieces from them that have withstood the test of time. What I observed is that my Zara clothes that are Made in Spain or Portugal are well made and last ages.
What items do you think you overpaid for?
For clothes, I would say both my Chloé silk dresses from Phoebe Philo’s days. While they are beautiful pieces, for the price, they should have been more robustly made and should have had a lining. Thank goodness I bought them on sale, otherwise, it would hurt even more. I still have one that I wear in summer (with care as the sequins on the straps often fall off). I gave the other to my cousin as I haven’t worn it in years! Otherwise, shoes are bad investments! I rarely wear most of my shoes since I’m usually in ballerinas. Plus, my feet grew by half a size after my pregnancy so I have several pairs that no longer fit me.
- Re-invest items you no longer need nor use. Sell them and put the funds towards something you truly desire.
- For high-end designers, unless it’s a very unique and special piece (or an item that never goes on sale), wait until the sales.
- As I’m quite petite, I spend a fortune at the tailors. But even if you’re average height, if possible, alter clothes to fit you better. Plus, if you find a special piece on sale or at a vintage shop, don’t let the wrong size deter you. A great tailor can do wonders.
- It’s a cliché but buy something because you love it and not because it’s a trend.
- Lastly, wear your fashion choices with confidence!
Lovely interview and great selection of pictures. I am especially inspired by how she converted her attic into a fabulous wardrobe.
Oh my, her wardrobes are to die for! And I love her wardrobes, so neat, spacious & clean. Great interview. I'm following her now. Thank you
What a great read! Her wardrobe and closet=fabulous!
She is so sylish! and her closet…OMG, I want one like that when I grow up
http://fromcaliwlove.blogspot.com/
Oh my to have those runway pieces! I'm still working on the investment pieces!
xoxo,
Chic 'n Cheap Living
Beautiful style. That bracelet is AMAZING. I love the look. So gorgeous. Greta post.
I am on a MISSION now to get an Alaia coat. It's on the top of my list now for wardrobe completer.
she has the most amazing collection of VCA diamonds! LOVE!
Gorgeous pics and interview!
Love that Erdem luggage!
xoxox,
CC
Fab interview! I love that she converted her attic space into a closet! Down here in TX, we usually have attics (not basements). How wonderful would it be to have *that* much more useable space???
I am dying for a walk-in-wardrobe. I have plenty of space in my current storage just none of it is the right shape/ size! There is a lot a wasted space from too-big shelves than could be half the height! I need more hanging space too. With the choice I would re-do everything and I'm sure that with the proper design (a la IKea) everything would fit perfect!
(My boyfriend thinks I just have too much stuff
xxx
flossyblossom.blogspot.com
Amazing colour choice for the Hermes bags! They look like candy…
the shoe storage is as envious as the shoes!
Awesome interview, yet again. =)
I love the interviews, it allows me to discover new and interesting blogs. xD
Thanks for leaving a comment on my blog. I didn't actually purchase the Liebeskind one yet. I'm going to Switzerland soon, hopefully I'll be able to buy it from there PHYSICALLY, instead of ordering from Nordstrom (they only have black left).
I'll def. post pics if I do purchase it. =)
http://www.atelier630.com
Thank you Katherine for the interview. I'm really flattered. I would also like to thank everyone for the comments. =) Take care!
Where do you find all these amazing blogs! Another great interview
xxMelissa
Another fabulous interview, Katherine! DeuxArmoires has an amazing style.
Another fabulous interview, Katherine! DeuxArmoires has an amazing style.
Another fabulous interview, Katherine! DeuxArmoires has an amazing style.
I would like to stay in her closet…just one night would be great. Beautiful colors of Hermes, simply gorgeous. Thanks for sharing aobut this interview.
Great interview! Gosh, her wardrobe is amazing with all those amazing pieces! *looks at own measly small wardrobe* hahaha Thank you so much for following my blog!!! I really means a lot to me Oh and before I forget, I love how your name is Katherine with a K and not a C! My sister has the same name and it bugs her to no end when people spell her name with a C hahaha, does it bug you as much?
P.s I saw your gorgeous tan-coloured hermes in your previous post, oh, pardon me while I drool!
That shoe storage is the definition of envy! Thank you for sharing
i love this interview! shes such an interesting person,read her blog and love it!
OMG I would LOVE LOVE LOVE to have that wardrobe!
Shasie
Live Life in Style
I really enjoy your interview post. I love learning about new people and their view on fashion.
Oh my to have those runway pieces! I'm still working on the investment pieces!